A new enrichment approach for candidate gene detection in unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss and implantation failure

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and implantation failure (RIF) are obstacles to livebirth and multifactorial conditions in which nearly half of the cases remain unexplained, and we aimed to identify maternal candidate gene variants and pathways for RPL and RIF by analyzing whole-exome sequencing (WES) data via a new detailed bioinformatics approach. A retrospective cohort study was applied to 35 women with normal chromosomal configuration diagnosed with unexplained RPL and/or RIF. WES and comprehensive bioinformatics analyses were performed. Published gene expression datasets (n = 46) were investigated for candidate genes. Variant effects on protein structure were analyzed for 12 proteins, and BUB1B was visualized in silico. WES and bioinformatics analyses are effective and applicable for studying URPL and RIF to detect mutations, as we suggest new candidates to explain the etiology. Forty-three variants in 39 genes were detected in 29 women, 7 of them contributing to oligogenic inheritance. These genes were related to implantation, placentation, coagulation, metabolism, immune system, embryological development, cell cycle-associated processes, and ovarian functions. WES, genomic variant analyses, expression data, and protein configuration studies offer new and promising ways to investigate the etiology of URPL and RIF. Discovering etiology-identifying genetic factors can help manage couples' needs and develop personalized therapies and new pharmaceutical products in the future. The classical approach with chromosomal analysis and targeted gene panel testing is insufficient in these cases; the exome data provide a promising way to detect and understand the possible clinical effects of the variant and its alteration on protein structure.

Old disease-New reflections: Gaucher, immunity, and inflammation

Gaucher disease (GD) is the most common lysosomal storage disease. It is a multisystemic metabolic disease caused by GBA pathogenic mutations. Although the general symptoms have been known for a long time, new treatment possibilities, the detection of different biomarkers, and innovations in diagnosis and follow-up have paved the way for further studies. Recent studies have shown that the immune system has become an essential factor associated with disease progression. The role of Gaucher cells in the disease is well characterized. In addition to phagocytic macrophage cells, lymphocytes, complement system, and inflammatory pathway elements are also implicated in GD as they were shown to be the underlying factors causing associated pathologies such as Parkinson's. In this article, the relationship between the GD and the immune system has been examined and reviewed in light of new findings.

Effect of hypoxia on HIF-1α and NOS3 expressions in CD34+ cells of JAK2V617F-positive myeloproliferative neoplasms

PURPOSE

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are a heterogeneous group of hematopoietic stem-cell diseases with excessive proliferation of one or more blood cell lines. In this study, we evaluated the effect of different oxygen concentrations on HIF-1α and NOS3 gene expression to determine the effect of the bone marrow microenvironment on JAK2V617F positive Philadelphia chromosome negative (Ph-) MPNs.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (MNC) of 12 patients with Ph- MPN were collected. The presence of JAK2V617F allele status was determined with allele-specific nested PCR analysis. MPN CD34+ and CD34depleted populations were isolated from MNC by magnetic beads. Separate cell cultures of CD34+/depleted populations were managed at different oxygen concentrations including anoxia (∼0%), hypoxia (∼3%), and normoxia (∼20%) conditions for 24 ​h. HIF-1α and NOS3 gene expression changes were examined in each population related to JAK2V617F status with real time RT-PCR.

RESULT

It was revealed that relative HIF-1α and NOS3 expressions were significantly increased in response to decreased oxygen concentration in all samples. Relative HIF-1α and NOS3 expressions were found to be higher especially in CD34+ and CD34depleted populations carrying JAK2V617F mutations compared to MPN patients carrying wild-type JAK2.

CONCLUSION

JAK2V617F might have specific role in HIF-1α and NOS3 regulations with respect to low oxygen concentrations in Ph- MPN. Further evaluations might reveal the effect of JAK2V617F on Ph- MPN pathogenesis in bone marrow microenvironment.